Photo: Mick Hutson/Redfernsc
ZZ Top performed their first live concert since the death of bandmate Dusty Hill.
At a show held Friday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the group performed with Elwood Francis playing in Hill’s absence. Frontman Billy Gibbons reportedly told the crowd, “We’re gonna have a good time in here tonight. Got a new guy up here, as you know. Dusty gave me the directive. My friend, your pal, Elwood Francis is gonna hold it down behind me.”
“How about that Elwood? Tearing up that bottom there for Dusty,” Gibbons, 71, offered up at another point in the set,according to UCR.
On Wednesday, ZZ Top bandmates Gibbons and Frank Beardissued a statementconfirming the death of the trio’s bassistat his home in Houston. He was 72.
“We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C,’ " the statement continued. “You will be missed greatly, amigo.”
Hill had served as the group’s bassist since 1970, a year after the band was formed. He played bass, keyboards, and sometimes sang lead and backing vocals.
New of his death came less than a week after the band shared on Facebook that “their fearless Bass player” was going to take a “short detour” to address a “hip issue.”
Want to get the biggest stories fromPEOPLEevery weekday?Subscribe to our new podcast,PEOPLE Every Day,to get the essential celebrity, entertainment and human interest news stories Monday through Friday.
“They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto,“the group wrote at the time. “Per Dusty’s request, ‘The show must go on!’ With that directive, ZZ Top has put the services of Mr. Elwood Francis, their trusted guitar tech of the past two decades, into play with his slide guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica playing in full swing.”
Back in 2017, the group canceled several tour dates after Hill suffered a stomach issue. In 2014, they were also forced to cancel a performance after Hill injured his hip after falling off the band’s tour bus. A similarsituation occurred in 2016.
RELATED VIDEO: Wolfgang Van Halen Says Mom Valerie Bertinelli Is His ‘Biggest Champion’ — and Explains Their Sassy Relationship
Gibbonsspoke toVarietyon Thursday about grieving Hill and carrying on with performances as he requested.
“Knowing that we can take his wishes forward and give him all due respect… You know, he was adamant,” recalled Gibbons. “He said, ‘the show must go on. Don’t forget it.’ And he was pointing his finger and shaking it.”
source: people.com
